In Memoriam

 "In Memoriam"-written Feb 28, 2025

It’s been a month since my Mom died. Before I left for home, a friend asked me where she could make a donation to, in memory of my mother. I replied, “I don’t know; I don’t know if anyone’s thought about that yet. I’ll have to ask my Dad.”

On my trip home, I took a moment to ask my father if he’d picked a worthy charity or organization for memorial contributions to be directed to. He hadn’t thought of it, and had no charities in mind. I mentioned two organizations, both of which I thought would be appropriate. However, I wanted to know what organizations he’d prefer. He then specified two different charities; I made note of them, to make a donation at another time.

Days later I returned home, paid some bills, and prepared to make my contribution to an organization my father had specified. However, I was torn. My mother had so many causes and issues that were important to her. How could one donation to one organization symbolize all that was important to her?

After some reflection, I realized it couldn’t. One donation could not come close to encompass the entirety of the moment. I decided to make donations to several different organizations in her memory. Here then are some of the organizations I donated to, and the work that they do:

Southern Poverty Law Center-“The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.”
https://www.splcenter.org

Equal Justice Initiative-“The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.”
https://eji.org

Heifer Project-“Heifer International is on a mission to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities.”
https://www.heifer.org

Human Rights Campaign-“The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community.”
https://www.hrc.org

World Central Kitchen-“WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.”
https://wck.org

Matthew Shepard Foundation-“We amplify the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people.”
https://www.matthewshepard.org
 
Koinonia Farm-“Koinonia is a Greek word meaning "communion," often translated as "community" or "fellowship." (It's pronounced "Coy-no-KNEE-uh.") Founded in 1942 as an intentional Christian community and farm, Koinonia has always believed that communion, community, and fellowship are for everyone—regardless of race, class, gender, religion, or anything else….We are a community sharing a life of prayer, work, study, service, and fellowship, doing our best to life a life rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, serving others and offering a warm welcome to all.”
https://koinoniafarm.org
 
Habitat for Humanity-“Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.”
https://www.habitat.org
 
ASPCA-“The ASPCA works to keep more animals in loving homes by protecting animals from harmful situations through community engagement, preventative action and providing resources and care when needed.”
https://www.aspca.org
 
Exodus Refugee-“Exodus Refugee Immigration is dedicated to the protection of human rights by serving the resettlement needs of refugees and other displaced people fleeing persecution, injustice, and war by welcoming them to Indiana.”
https://www.exodusrefugee.org
 
They say the pen is mightier than the sword. People extol the power of the pen. In this instance, the pen is being used to write a check, to make a donation. These organizations perform outreach on a global scale that I couldn’t even begin to replicate. These organizations make positive change, lasting change. They change lives, and make the world a better place. I can’t think of a better way to honor a loved one, in memoriam.